The
new airport security regulations will be in effect this Friday. While
Poles in Greenpoint accept the new airport check-in procedures, they doubt
their effectiveness.

The new airport code requires that all bags and suitcases be inspected,
both manually and with the use of special devices. In addition, each luggage
must be matched with the carrier, and any unidentified bag will not be
put on the plane. Bomb sniffing dogs will also be used as an extra measure
of protection.

Some experts believe that the new rules are meant to restore peoples
confidence in the airline industry. They say that the regulations not
only can prevent the industry from bankruptcy, but they can also save
the American economy from another blow.

"The last time I flew to Poland was with SAS Airlines. I saw no
major changes in the airport security, except for the fact that now people
have to take off their shoes, which is an inconvenience especially for
the obese," said Zdzislaw Pawlikowski. He also mentioned that his
carry-on luggage was thoroughly inspected. Pawlikowski thinks however,
that even the strictest rules cant prevent a tragedy from happening.
"There is no way to stop people who are determined to do evil. They
will always find a way to blow up an airplane," said Pawlikowski,
sharing his fears.

Janusz Seweryn, an owner of a travel agency in Greenpoint expressed similar
opinion. "My initial reaction to the stricter airport regulations
was rather negative," said Seweryn. However, he has come to realize
that we should accept every rule. Its better to wait in line longer,
than feel insecure, he said.

Tadeusz Wroblewski thinks the devices that are supposed to detect explosives
will not be effective. "It all depends on the people who are checking
the luggage. I understand that after eighth hours of work they can be
really tired, and its possible that a passenger with a knife can
slip through the inspection procedure without getting caught," said
Wroblewski. "Its dreadful, but we are living in such uncertain
times. This has to change," he added. Wroblewski agrees that stricter
airport regulations are necessary. He is planning to travel to Poland
in the next few months, and he wants to feel safe when he flies.

Mira Wotawa, who owns a grocery store in Ridgewood, believes that people
must accept every decision made in regard to airport security. However,
Wotawa says that such changes may lead to bankruptcy of many airlines.
She also thinks that small businesses like hers will be negatively affected
by the changes in airport regulations. The grocery products that Wotawa
sells in her store are all made in Europe. Since the transport of commodities
will now be prolonged, the products may not arrive fresh.

Aleksandra Trzcinska thinks that we live in uncertain times and therefore
tightening of airport security is necessary. "I havent traveled
in a while, but from what I hear from people  their opinions are
really mixed," she said. "Some of them think the new airport
regulations are burdensome, but necessary. Others criticize the new changes
and say they are an exaggeration," said Trzcinska.